Southampton likely to permanently offload Cedric this summer

Southampton will look to permanently offload Cedric Soares when he returns from his loan spell at Inter Milan, according to a report from Calciomercato.

The Saints opted to loan the defender out to the Serie A giants during the January transfer window after he was deemed surplus to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s requirements.

Yan Valery has been favoured as the club’s first-choice right wing-back since Cedric’s temporary exit, and it doesn’t seem as though the Portugal international has a future at St Mary’s Stadium.

After making only eight appearances for Inter since his the move, the defender is unlikely to be purchased by Luciano Spalletti’s side, who do not see fit to spend €11 million on the player when he, as Calciomercato states, is not an upgrade on their current options.

With the Milan club evidently unwilling to trigger their option to buy clause at the end of the season, Southampton will face a decision regarding Cedric’s future, and it appears he will be sold if a suitable offer is tabled.

Cedric's stagnation

As aforementioned, Cedric’s progress has stalled in the past two campaigns. He makes repetitive mistakes, namely in marking players in defensive situations, and his final ball in attacking phases has always left a lot to be desired.

Transfer funds

Southampton appeared to employ a sell-before-you-buy strategy in the January transfer window, and it’s likely that they will follow suit in the summer. In doing so, the fringe players will need to be sold to make room for more funds, and Cedric falls into this category.

Maehle move?

Southampton were keen to sign Joakim Mahele from Genk in January, as confirmed by the player himself, but no move materialised.

The Danish right wing-back is among the best young players in his position in world football, and The Daily Echo reported during the most recent transfer window that a move in the summer could be a possibility.

In Valery and Maehle, Saints would have two excellent options on the right. Cedric would not be needed.